[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 21, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S3516]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO TOM CARNEGIE

 Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, today I congratulate a legendary 
Hoosier sports broadcaster, Tom Carnegie, on his retirement.
  Born Carl Kenagy in Connecticut in 1919, he displayed an enormous 
passion for sports even as a child. When polio ended Carl's dream of 
playing professional sports, he refocused his energy on building a 
career in broadcasting, which he launched in 1942 at WOWO in Fort 
Wayne, IN. There, at the suggestion of his station manager, Carl 
adopted the name Tom Carnegie and used it throughout the remainder of 
his remarkable career.
  Tom came to Indianapolis in 1945 where he quickly made a name for 
himself as the most recognizable voice in Indiana sports. In addition 
to his decades of work in radio, television and print, Tom announced 
the Indiana State high school basketball championships for 24 years, 
co-founded the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1962, and was 
inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1975.
  Race fans from around the world have come to know Tom as the voice of 
the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A racing novice at the time, Tom began 
announcing the Indianapolis 500 in 1946. Over the years, Tom's rich, 
baritone voice called to millions of fans over the public address 
system as he announced 61 Indianapolis 500 races, 12 Allstate 400 at 
the Brickyard races, and 6 United States Grand Prix races. He has also 
produced two major film documentaries on racing.
  I appreciate this opportunity to congratulate Tom on a remarkable 
life of exciting achievements, and to recognize his wife D.J. for the 
role she has played in his many accomplishments. I am hopeful that each 
of my colleague will join me in wishing Tom continuing success, good 
health, and happiness as he enjoys his retirement.

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